Josiah Mackenzie

Several weeks ago I was interviewed by Tim Chan of AM NY (Manhattan’s largest daily newspaper) on the subject of freelancing. Today that article was published:

“Freelancing without the headaches“

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time developing a comprehensive mission statement, skills analysis, and long-term career plan.  (Thanks to Michael Simmons for his advice on this)

After much thought and research, I’ve decided that my long-term business goals include forming two investment companies.

Company #1: Business Acquisition Company
My objective with this company is to purchase small businesses that demonstrate a solid business model and have established cash flow.   I believe I have developed a unique method for acquiring these businesses, but that will have to remain secret for now.    This company will be located in the Boston area.

Company #2: Real Estate Investment Company
Again, there are an abundance of real estate investment companies out there today.  My success will lie in acquiring properties in a small, yet profitable niche I have discovered.  This company will be located in the southwest US, most likely Arizona.

While there may appear to be nothing revolutionary about these ideas, I believe the way I approach them is unique.  With the right amount of investment, I expect to become profitable within 2-3 years.  Right now, I’m seriously considering taking a year or two off of school (after returning from my year overseas) in order to build these companies.

I’ll be posting more on these as time goes on, but I just want to encourage you reading this right now to take some time to do some long-term strategic planning.  You won’t become anything you are not becoming today.

One piece of advice I’ve repeatedly received from mentors about college is the recommendation to spend a semester abroad in a foreign country.  Well, I’ve decided to act on that advice, and am planning to spend a full academic year abroad.

Last night I purchased the tickets for my semester in Ireland.  During my time there, I plan on learning as much as I can about the European approach to business, economics, and politics.

Then next fall I plan on spending a semester studying at one of the leading universities in South Korea.  And during that time, I’ll be learning as much as I can about business, economics, and politics in Asia.

Hopefully, 2007 will be a year of tremendous growth for me personally and professionally.  My goal is to return with a global understanding of how things work.  After I return, I’ll be actively working to build my companies, so this is my time for “vuja daze,” or experiencing new situations that broaden my perspective.